title: A neglected issue on sexual well-being following breast cancer diagnosis and treatment among Chinese women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Changes to sexual well-being can be one of the most problematic quality of life issues following the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate changes to sexual well-being following breast cancer, to expand upon the existing body of knowledge pertaining to breast cancer and sexuality, and to provide the necessary information for implementing future interventions that may help improve the quality of life in breast cancer patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was mixed with qualitative and quantitative designs. Twenty patients with breast cancer were recruited for in-depth interviews. The central questions covered a patient's cancer experience and perceptions of sexual activities following breast cancer. According to the findings of the qualitative study, we performed a quantitative study using a structured questionnaire to collect data on patient's experience and attitude to sexual well-being following breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Based on the qualitative analysis, seven main themes emerged: (1) Decrease in sexual frequency; (2) Lack of sexual interest; (3) Menopausal symptoms; (4) Body image changes; (5) Effects on marital relationship; (6) Misconceptions about sex; (7) The need for professional consultation. Results from the quantitative study further supported the findings from the qualitative analysis, where changes to sexual well-being were common following cancer diagnosis and treatment and it was a neglected issue among Chinese women.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study highlights the significant changes to sexual well-being following breast cancer, in addition to the lack of knowledge and misconceptions of sexual activity among patients. Addressing these problems will help improve a patient's quality of life. The findings of this study could help healthcare professionals recognize the sexual issues faced by women with breast cancer and ultimately promote a healthy life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
authors.forename: Fengliang
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Fei
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Xiqian
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Huo
authors.forename: Ruobing
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Liang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Jianming
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Cheng
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People / Q000523:psychology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*